DC Animated Universe
Register
Advertisement
Batsuit Display

The original Batsuit on display.

"Hey, Bats, don't worry about me. I don't need help from some jerk in long underwear."
Wizard[1]

The Batsuits were the costumes Batman developed and used for himself in his crime-fighting career. All Batsuits incorporated a utility belt with compartments to hold several items, the contents of which changed according to his needs and often included items such as batarangs, flashlights, laser cutters, underwater rebreathers, binoculars, a fingerprinting kit, remote controls for his vehicles, and more.

History[]

Before the Batsuit[]

"There was only one thing wrong: they weren't afraid of me. I've got to strike fear into them from the start."
Bruce Wayne[2]

Batman's 1st suit

Batman's first costume.

In his earliest adventures as a crime fighter, Bruce Wayne wore simple clothing and a ski mask. Failing to strike fear into the hearts of his quarry, he resolved to develop a more intimidating visage.

First Batsuit[]

When Bruce Wayne constructed the first incarnation of the Batsuit, it was a relatively simple prototype design. The utility belt consisted of cloth pouches that housed small throwing weapons, such as spiked pellets and grappling hooks. The costume itself featured simple gloves without any scallops (in contast to all subsequent costumes' gloves), and a plain black bat-emblem over the pectoral region. The original Batsuit's cape and cowl also featured the same color scheme of black with blue highlights that the second and fourth Batsuits would have. After Bruce donned the mask of Batman for the first time, Alfred Pennyworth was genuinely frightened by his master's new appearance.

Second Batsuit[]

Batman (BTAS)

Batman's second costume.

Batman's second Batsuit incorporated more advanced materials and more varied gadgets and weaponry. The cloth pouches on the utility belt were replaced by rigid yellow cylinders, and the chest emblem was now encircled by a yellow oval reminiscent of the Bat-Signal. The simple grappling hook and line were replaced by a device that launched a line-trailing grapple over great distances, although the hook and line still saw action from time to time. It was during this redesign that the many gadgets and accessories designed to complement the suit and expand Batman's arsenal began to appear, such as a rebreathing apparatus and a motorcycle helmet designed similarly to the cowl.

Third Batsuit[]

Batman (TNBA)

Batman's third costume, an updated version of his first costume.

Batman's third Batsuit was more reminiscent of the first in design and was given a more muted color scheme of black and gray. The yellow oval from his chest emblem also disappeared, replaced by a larger black bat symbol. This suit continued to advance the range of gadgetry and weapons available to Batman. Batman appeared to have returned to using cloth pouches in this suit's utility belt. The third Batsuit was also the first to incorporate functional wings and a jetpack to enable gliding and flight. The cowl's ears were reinforced, acting as a deterrent should his head end up inside machinery ears-first. This version also had retractable claws to allow Batman to cling to the sides of buildings and vehicles.

Early 21st Century Batsuit[]

Batman JL

Batman's fourth costume, an amalgamated version of his past three costumes.

At some point before the founding of the original Justice League, Batman’s costume underwent another redesign. This fourth Batsuit retained the simplicity of the first and third designs, but reincorporated the first and second suits’ blue highlights - albeit now muted and more purplish-blue (instead of electric blue). It additionally featured lengthened ears on the cowl, as well as heels on the boots. This suit also continued the trend of advancing the arsenal available to Batman. Once again, the utility belt was redesigned. This time, the compartments retained the size of the cloth pouch versions, but appeared to have been constructed of a more rigid material.

Mid 21st Century Batsuit[]

Bruce Beyond

Batman's final Batsuit.

The final Batsuit was developed to compensate for Bruce Wayne's advancing age and weakening body and was eventually inherited by Terry McGinnis when he assumed the mantle of Batman.[3] The Suit was at least two decades old when Terry became Gotham's new savior; however, its technology was so advanced that it was still considered state of the art. Another fifteen years later, Terry was still wearing this Batsuit, though its belt had pouches.[4]

Other Batsuits[]

Knight Armor[]

Batman's virtual Knight armor

Batman’s Knight Armor worn in Riddler’s virtual reality.

While in a virtual reality created by Riddler, Batman was forced to act as a living chess piece and wore a suit of armor indicative of his “Dark Knight” moniker.

Fireproof[]

Fireproof Batsuit

Fireproof Batsuit

To battle the villain Firefly, Batman donned a heavy suit that was very resistant to heat and fire.

Bat Armor[]

Bbbatarmor

The Bat Armor.

A powered exosuit developed by Bruce Wayne during his final years as Batman as a second and final attempt to compensate for his advancing age and deteriorating health. The suit gave its wearer excellent protection from attacks and was able to shrink so as to be concealed beneath clothing. The suit was not used extensively, because during testing Bruce found out that its use puts a great strain on his weak heart.

The Savage Time[]

Savage Time Batman

Savage Time Batman.

In the alternate timeline created by Vandal Savage's disruptions of the historical events of World War II, Bruce Wayne still became Batman. The Batsuit he developed in this alternate timeline reflected the state of war he lived under. This suit incorporated a helmet with seemingly no eyes (possibly a visor) and several rigid armor plates. Unlike the Batman of the primary timeline, this Batman incorporated firearms into his arsenal.

Justice Lords[]

LordBatman

Justice Lord Batman.

In an alternate universe very similar to our own, Justice Lord Batman altered his costume after the Justice League transitioned to being the Justice Lords. The new costume had elements of our universe's late 21st-century Batsuit yet incorporated design elements similar to the other Justice Lords' costumes.

Sightings[]

First Batsuit[]

Batman: The Animated Series[]

Feature films[]

Second Batsuit[]

Batman: The Animated Series[]

Feature films[]

Third Batsuit[]

The New Batman Adventures[]

Superman: The Animated Series[]

Feature films[]

Static Shock[]

Fourth Batsuit[]

Justice League[]

Static Shock[]

Justice League Unlimited[]

Final Batsuit[]

Batman Beyond[]

Feature film[]

The Zeta Project[]

Static Shock[]

Justice League Unlimited[]

References[]

  1. Reaves, Michael (writer) & Kirkland, Boyd (director) (November 9, 1992). "I Am the Night". Batman: The Animated Series. Season 1. Episode 34 (airdate). Episode 49 (production). FOX Kids.
  2. Melniker, B., Uslan, M. (Producers), & Radomski, E., Timm, B. W. (Directors). (1993). Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. United States: Warner Bros.
  3. Berkowitz, Stan (writer) & Geda, Curt (director) (January 10, 1999). "Rebirth, Part II". Batman Beyond. Season 1. Episode 2 (airdate). Episode 2 (production). Kids WB!.
  4. Timm, Bruce, McDuffie, Dwayne (story) & McDuffie, Dwayne (teleplay) & Riba, Dan (director) (July 23, 2005). "Epilogue". Justice League Unlimited. Season 1. Episode 26 (airdate). Episode 26 (production). Cartoon Network.
Advertisement